kill off
To get rid of something or someone completely, or to destroy a group one by one.
Meanings
To cause the death or extinction of a group of animals, plants, or people.
"Pollution has killed off nearly all the fish in that stretch of the river."
In fiction, to end a character's life in a story, show, or book.
"The writers decided to kill off the main villain in the season finale."
To gradually end or eliminate a business, idea, habit, or trend.
"The rise of digital streaming has killed off the market for physical music stores."
Very widely used in ecology (species killed off), fiction (writers killing off characters), business (products or companies), and history. Has a deliberate or progressive feel compared to 'wipe out'. Frequently used metaphorically.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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